Our purposes fall under the following categories:

Colorado River at Pope Bend

  • Public Policy – Aiming to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the earth’s natural resources in order to meet current and future needs of the environment and humans.
  • Science & Ecology – Gathering and using scientific information to restore and sustain ecological services provided by environmental systems.
  • Outreach & Education – Providing environmental education and outreach that encourages public stewardship.

We currently achieve our purposes through our activities aimed at protecting the Colorado River and its tributaries, Matagorda, Lavaca and other coastal bays and estuaries, the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer Group, and other aquifers in the lower Colorado River basin.

Advocate for Ecologically Responsible Public Policies 

As we step into the 21st century we find that the population of Texas is expected to more than double by the year 2060 and the human demand for water expected to increase by 27 percent while water supplies are projected to decrease about 18 percent due to the accumulation of sediments in reservoirs and the depletion of aquifers. This leaves Texans almost 3 trillion gallons short of estimated human water demands if nothing is done to change our wasteful use and consumption patterns. Without changes in our water management practices about 85 percent of the state’s projected population will not have enough water by 2060 (Source:  Texas Water Plan).

As a part of its activities, Environmental Stewardship attempts to influence public policy and legislation to the extent permitted by Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, however, it does not participate in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

Manage and Restore Natural Resources using Science & Ecology

Over the last two centuries we have severely damaged the ecosystem’s water cycle and our children have lost touch with nature. The springs which once flowed plentiful are drying up and the land no longer catches and holds the rainfall that is provided. Research has also shown an undeniable link between the absence of nature in the lives of today’s children and an increase in the rise of childhood obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

Environmental Stewardship attempts to collect and use scientific information to characterize the lower Colorado River watershed and groundwater resources. Good science is essential in conserving and restoring ecological function as a part of habitat restoration.

Provide Outreach & Education

Environmental Stewardship believes that public education and outreach are key to gaining the support of the public. As such we have been active in developing nature trails, nature-tourism opportunities and improving our communication and public education programs.

 

 

 

This logic model describes how we work

environmental stewardship mode